by Deborah Rogers –
In Canada and the U.S. the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. It falls on a different day in the U.K., where Mothering Sunday, which originated back in the Middle Ages, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent (March 19 this year – sorry I missed it mum!). It was the custom to visit your Mother Church, the one where you were baptized. This later morphed into a holiday for workers – a chance for them to take a day off and visit with their mothers (and attend church with them).
In Canada we follow the U.S. tradition started in 1907 by Anna Jarvis. Originally, she wanted to honour her own mom, but soon the day was adopted to celebrate all mothers for the sacrifices they make. Is it still relevant today? Well, we were all born, and someone had to do that work! But the structure of society has changed since 1907: mother figures come in all varieties, and for many it isn’t just their birth mom who they want to celebrate. There are mentors, nurturers, supporters, champions and cheerleaders who might not fit the traditional definition of mother, but who are the ones who raised us, and deserve the same accolades.
Local artist Shantael Sleight is working on a new series of paintings exploring the concept of “Mothering.” Through her art she hopes to examine its nuances, including the ways that we mother ourselves, others and the earth. Part of her process was to pose questions to women in her life, including me.*
It was meaningful to reflect on my own experiences of mothering. I thought, of course, about the way that I was raised (to be independent in thought and action) and about the way I have tried to mother my own children (loving, firm), and I naturally fell into wondering where I’ve gone wrong, or how my children might remember me. Then I thought of all the other mothers I know who are just doing their best and making it up as they go along. It’s a privileged group to be part of.
I hope that you mothers and mother-figures are celebrated well for your role in raising the next generation, and the sacrifices you might have made to do that work.
*If you would like to be connected to Shantael to share your thoughts, please email me: deborah@seasidemagazine.ca.
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by piper + ally.
For more, visit Instagram @piperally. Shot on location at Mattick’s Farm.
